Method, apparatus, computer program and computer program product for transmitting image data

ABSTRACT

In a method for transmitting image data from a plurality of cameras in a vehicle, a set of functions is provided, which set of functions comprises a plurality of functions each having a requirement for a respective image setting of at least one of the cameras. If a function is activated, a respective image setting is set for at least one of the cameras on the basis of at least one of the function and a respective predefined desired data rate during image data transmission in order to provide the image data from the respective camera for the respective function.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from GermanPatent Application No. 10 2013 224 539.4, filed Nov. 29, 2013, theentire disclosure of which is herein expressly incorporated byreference,

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method for transmitting image data from aplurality of cameras in a vehicle. The invention also relates to anapparatus for transmitting image data, Furthermore, the inventionrelates to a computer program and a computer program product fortransmitting image data.

Modern cameras produce greater and greater amounts of data. Furthermore,more and ore cameras are installed in modern vehicles, Greater andgreater amounts of data produced by cameras therefore arise in modernvehicles.

The object on which the invention is based is to provide a method and acorresponding apparatus which contributes to efficiently transmittingimage data from a plurality of cameras in a vehicle.

The object is achieved by the features of the independent patent claims.Advantageous refinements are indicated in the subclaims.

The invention is distinguished by a method for transmitting image datafrom a plurality of cameras in a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention isdistinguished by a corresponding apparatus for transmitting image datafrom a plurality of cameras in the vehicle. A set of functions isprovided, which set of functions comprises a plurality of functions. Thefunctions each have a requirement for a respective image setting of atleast one of the cameras. If a function is activated, a respective imagesetting is set for at least one of the cameras on the basis of thefunction. The respective image setting is set on the basis of arespective predefined desired data rate during image data transmissionin order to provide the image data from the respective camera for therespective function.

The functions in the set of functions are distinguished, in particular,by the fact that they require image data from at least one of thecameras. Such functions are, for example, lane detection and/or adisplay of a view predefined by a customer in a parking function and/orobject and/or obstacle and/or traffic sign detection.

The respective function is at least indirectly provided with the imagedata, For example, the image data may also first be preprocessed and therespective function can then be provided with the preprocessed data.

The image setting comprises, for example, a setting of the images persecond which are recorded by the respective camera. Alternatively oradditionally, the image setting comprises a setting of the color depthand/or a setting of the type of compression and/or compression rateand/or a setting of the resolution. Alternatively or additionally, theimage setting comprises, for example, whether only one of a plurality ofimages from the respective camera is transmitted in a high quality andthe other images of the plurality of images are transmitted in a lowerquality.

The predefined desired data rate is distinguished, for example, by thefact that it makes it possible to transmit image data which are of suchhigh quality that the requirement of the activated function can be met.Furthermore, the predefined desired data rate is distinguished, inparticular, by the fact that it is as low as possible in this case.

This contributes to the image data from the respective camera beingtransmitted in a very efficient manner since the respective requirementof the respective active function can be met using the image data, butno additional, unnecessary data are transmitted at the same time.

According to one advantageous refinement, the respective image settingof the respective camera is set on the basis of the respectiverequirement of the function.

Therefore, when setting the image setting, it is taken into account, inparticular, whether the function requires, for example, a predefinednumber of images per second and/or a predefined color depth and/or apredefined setting of the type of compression and/or compression rateand/or a predefined setting of the resolution. This possibly makes itpossible to ensure that the functionality of the function is ensuredwith a data rate which is as low as possible.

According to another advantageous refinement, the respective imagesetting of the respective camera is set on the basis of a respectivedynamically available data rate.

If for example, the camera is connected to a universal bus and/or auniversal network, data which do not come from the respective camera anddynamically restrict the available data rate can also be transmitted viathe bus and/or the network. For example, it is possible to dynamicallyrestrict the available data rate for a desired audio transmission. Byvirtue of the fact that the dynamically available data rate is takeninto account in the image setting, it is possible to prevent the busand/or the network from being overloaded, for example.

According to another advantageous refinement, the respective imagesetting of the respective camera is set on the basis of a respectivedynamically available computing capacity.

A computing unit which processes the image data can be used universally,for example, and can therefore have dynamically available computingcapacities. By virtue of the fact that the dynamically availablecomputing capacity of the computing unit is taken into account, it ispossible to prevent the computing unit from possibly being overloaded.

According to another advantageous refinement, the respective requirementof the plurality of functions for the respective image setting isdynamic.

The respective requirement of the plurality of functions for therespective image setting changes on the basis of a vehicle state, forexample. The vehicle state comprises, for example, a steering lockand/or forward travel of the vehicle and/or reverse travel of thevehicle and/or indicating of the vehicle. If the vehicle state changes,a different requirement is possibly imposed on the respective imagesetting, For example, a higher image quality may be required from a rearcamera of the vehicle when engaging the reverse gear and a higher imagequality may be required from a camera arranged on a left-hand side ofthe vehicle when turning left. The change in the respective requirementcan be taken into account when setting the respective image setting bymeans of dynamic requirements.

According to another advantageous refinement, if a function isactivated, a respective image setting of a plurality of the cameras isset on the basis of the function, to be precise on the basis of therespective predefined desired data rate during image data transmissionin order to provide the image data from the respective camera for therespective function.

For example, it is possible that, although the activated functionrequires only image data from one of the cameras, very high-resolutionimages from this camera are required fur this purpose. If some of thecameras or all cameras are connected to the same bus and/or to the samenetwork in this case, for example, the respective image setting of theremaining cameras or of some of the remaining cameras can be set in sucha manner that the respective data rate of the cameras not required forthis function is reduced. This reduces a total data rate of the camerasconnected to the same bus and/or to the same network, with the resultthat more bandwidth is in turn available for the camera from whichhigh-resolution images are required.

According to another advantageous refinement, a respective current datarate of the respective camera is determined. The image setting isadapted on the basis of the respective current data rate and on thebasis of the respective predefined desired data rate during image datatransmission in order to provide the image data from the respectivecamera for the respective function.

The data rate produced depends greatly on an image to be recorded. Inparticular, if compressed image data are transmitted, the data rategreatly depends, for example, on how high the frequency of the image tobe recorded is and/or on how many different frequencies the image to berecorded has. For this reason, it is possible, for example, for thecurrent data rate to differ greatly from the predefined desired datarate. By virtue of the fact that the current data rate is checked, theimage settings can possibly be newly adapted in order to thereforecomply with the predefined desired data rate as accurately as possible.

According to another advantageous refinement, a respective current datarate of the respective camera is determined. The image setting of therespective camera is gradually adapted on the basis of the respectivecurrent data rate and on the basis of the respective predefined desireddata rate during image data transmission in order to provide the imagedata from the respective camera for the respective function startingfrom a predefined starting data rate which is lower than the predefineddesired data rate.

As already described, the current data rate respectively depends on theimage to be recorded. Gradually approaching the predefined desired datarate makes it possible to very reliably avoid the predefined desireddata rate being exceeded. This makes it possible to avoid the computingunit and/or the network and/or the bus being overloaded if the currentdata rate differs greatly from the desired data rate.

According to another advantageous refinement, a weighting isrespectively assigned to the functions in the set of functions. If aplurality of functions are activated at the same time, the image settingof the respective camera is set on the basis of the respectiveweighting.

On account of a technically determined maximum data rate, not all activefunctions may possibly be accomplished at the same time, for example. Aweighting makes it possible to assign a higher weighting tosafety-critical functions, in particular, than convenience functions,for example. It is therefore possible to contribute to thesafety-critical functions being accomplished earlier than otherfunctions, for example.

According to another aspect, the invention is distinguished by acomputer program for transmitting image data, the computer program beingdesigned to carry out the method for transmitting image data from aplurality of cameras in a vehicle or an advantageous refinement of themethod in a data processing apparatus.

According to another aspect, the invention is distinguished by acomputer program product comprising executable program code, the programcode carrying out the method for transmitting image data from aplurality of cameras in a vehicle or an advantageous refinement of themethod when executed by a data processing apparatus.

The computer program product comprises, in particular, a medium whichcan be read by the data processing apparatus and stores the programcode.

The invention can be advantageously used, in particular, in a vehicle,for example in a motor vehicle such as an automobile, a truck or amotorcycle. In this case, the vehicle may comprise a correspondingcamera arrangement and/or a corresponding apparatus for transmittingimage data and/or a corresponding computer program product fortransmitting image data.

Exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail below using theschematic drawings, in which:

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description of one ormore preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle having a plurality of cameras, and

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart tier transmitting image data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 has a plurality of camerasKAM_1-KAM_4, for example a first camera KAM_1 which is arranged on thefront of a vehicle, a second camera KAM_2 which is arranged on a sidemirror of the vehicle 1, a third camera KAM_3 which is arranged on afurther side mirror of the vehicle 1, and a fourth camera KAM_4 which isarranged on the rear of the vehicle I. The plurality of camerasKAM_1-KAM_4 are, for example, network cameras which are connected to anetwork node H.

The net work node H comprises, for example, a hub which is designed toconnect network nodes in a star shape, in particular to connect thecameras KAM_1-KAM_4 and computing units to one another, for example bymeans of an Ethernet, in particular according to IEEE-802.3. Ethernet isa technology which specifies software, for example protocols, andhardware, for example cables, distributors, network cards, for wireddata networks.

The vehicle 1 additionally has a control apparatus SV which is connectedto the network node H. The control apparatus SV has, for example, a dataand program memory and a computing unit. The data and program memoryand/or the computing unit can be formed in one structural unit and/ormay be distributed among two or more structural units.

The control apparatus SV is designed to transmit control commands to therespective camera KAM_1-KAM_4 using the connection via the network nodeH to the cameras KAM_1-KAM_4 or using a direct connection to the camerasKAM_1-KAM_4 in order to set image settings of the respective cameraKAM_1-KAM_4, as described in more detail below.

The control apparatus SV may also be referred to as an apparatus fortransmitting image data.

In particular, the data and program memory control apparatus SV stores aprogram which is explained in more detail below using the flowchart inFIG. 2.

The program is started in a step S1 in which variables are initialized,for example.

A set of functions FN_M is provided in a step S3. The set of functionsFN_M comprises a plurality of functions FN each having a requirement fora respective image setting BE of at least one of the camerasKAM_1-KAM_4. The set of functions FN_M is stored, for example, in thedata and program memory of the control apparatus SV.

The respective requirement of the plurality of functions FN for therespective image setting BE is dynamic, for example. The respectiverequirement of the plurality of functions FN for the respective imagesetting BE changes on the basis of a vehicle state, for example. Thevehicle state comprises, for example, a steering lock and/or forwardtravel of the vehicle and/or reverse travel of the vehicle and/orindicating of the vehicle.

Such functions FN comprise, for example, a lane detection functionand/or a function for displaying a camera image on an image display unitin the vehicle 1, fix example for a view predefined by a customer in aparking function. Alternatively or additionally, the functions FNcomprise a function for detecting objects and/or obstacles and/ortraffic signs and/or a function for detailed object recognition ifanother sensor, for example a radar or ultrasonic sensor, has detectedan object in a particular image area, for example.

The image setting BE comprises, for example, a setting of the images persecond and/or a setting of the color depth and/or a setting of the typeof compression and/or compression rate and/or a setting of theresolution. Alternatively or additionally, the image setting BE alsocomprises, for example, a setting regarding whether only every nth itage is intended to be transmitted in a high quality. In the case of fourcameras KAM_1-KAM_4, for example, one of the cameras may each in turntransmit a high-quality image and the three remaining cameras maytransmit a low-quality image. Alternatively or additionally, the imagesetting BE comprises, for example, whether only a partial image area isintended to be recorded with high quality since some functions FNpossibly require only partial image areas. For example, a lane detectionfunction possibly requires only a lower half of the image.

In a step S5, a check is carried out in order to determine whether afunction FN is activated. If a function FN has been activated, theprogram is continued in a step S7.

A predefined desired data rate D_G is provided in step S7. Thepredefined desired data rate D_G is distinguished by the fact that itmakes it possible to transmit image data which are of such high qualitythat the requirement of the activated function FN can be met.Furthermore, the predefined desired data rate D_G is distinguished, inparticular, by the fact that it is as low as possible in this case. Forthis purpose, the matter of which requirement is associated with whichlikely data rate change is stored, in particular, for all functions FNin the set of functions FN_M. This is stored, for example, in a databasestored in the data and program memory of the control apparatus SV.Furthermore, a respective assignment of functions FN to sources may bestored in the database since respective sources possibly imposedifferent requirements on the image setting BE of the respective cameraKAM_1-KAM_4.

Since the cameras KAM_1-KAM_4 are connected to a universal bus oruniversal network, for example, data which do not come from therespective camera KAM_1-KAM_4 and dynamically restrict an available datarate D_DYN may possibly also be transmitted via the bus and/or thenetwork. For example, the available data ate D_DYN can be dynamicallyrestricted for a desired audio transmission. Therefore, the dynamicallyavailable data rate D_DYN is alternatively or additionally determinedand provided in step S7. The dynamically available data rate D_DYNresults, in particular, from subtracting a restrictive data rate from apredefined maximum data rate which is technically determined, forexample, and is stored in the data and program memory of the controlapparatus SV, for example.

Since a computing unit which processes the transmitted image data, forexample the computing unit of the control apparatus SV and/or a furthercomputing unit, can also be universally used, a respectively availablecomputing capacity R_DYN can dynamically change. Therefore, thedynamically available computing capacity R_DYN is alternatively oradditionally determined and provided in step S7. The dynamicallyavailable computing capacity R_DYN results, in particular, fromsubtracting a restrictive computing capacity which is needed tocalculate non-image data, from a predefined maximum computing capacitywhich is technically determined, for example, and is stored in the dataand program memory of the control apparatus SV, for example.

In a step S9, an image setting BE is set for at least one of the camerasKAM_1-KAM_4, to be precise on the basis of the activated function FNand/or on the basis of the respective predefined desired data rate D_Gand/or on the basis of the dynamically available data rate D_DYN and/oron the basis of the dynamically available computing capacity R_DYN.

The image setting BE of the respective camera KAM_1-KAM_4 is set, inparticular, in such a manner that a data rate which results from thetransmission of the image data from the respective camera KAM_1-KAM_4 isas low as possible and the image quality of the image data issimultaneously distinguished by the fact that the respective activatedfunction FN can be accomplished.

The image setting BE of the respective camera KAM_1-KAM_4 isalternatively or additionally set on the basis of the respectiverequirement of the activated function FN, for example.

In a step S11, a respective current data rate D_AKT of the respectivecamera KAM_1-KAM_4 is determined.

In a step S13, the image setting BE of the respective camera KAM_1-KAM_4is adapted on the basis of the respective current data rate D_AKT and onthe basis of the predefined desired data rate D_G and/or the dynamicallyavailable data rate D_DYN and/or the dynamically available computingcapacity R_DYN.

The image setting BE of the respective camera KAM_1-KAM_4 is adapted instep S13, in particular gradually, starting from a predefined startingdata rate which is lower than the predefined desired data rate D_G.

The program is then continued in step S11. Steps S11 to S13 are carriedout, in particular, as long as the respective function FN is active. Theprogram is then ended.

A respective weighting is assigned to the functions FN in the set offunctions FN-M, in particular.

Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of functions FN can beactivated at the same time, for example. If this is the case, the imagesetting BE of the respective camera KAM_1-KAM_4 is additionally set instep S9 and/or in step S13, in particular, on the basis of therespective weighting, with the result that functions FN with a highweighting are taken into account earlier than functions EN with a lowweighting.

Alternatively or additionally, a respective image setting of a pluralityof the cameras KAM_1 -KAM_4 is set in step S9 and/or in step S13. Ifsome of the cameras KAM_1-KAM_4 or all cameras KAM_1-KAM_4 are connectedto the same bus and/or to the same network, this makes it possible, forexample, to reduce a total data rate produced by some of the camerasKAM_1-KAM_4 or by all cameras KAM_1-KAM_4.

Alternatively, the program can be ended after step S9.

The procedure explained may contribute to the image data from therespective camera KAM_1-KAM_4 being transmitted in a very efficientmanner since the respective active function FN can be accomplished usingthe image data, but no additional, unnecessary data are transmitted atthe same time.

In the above-described method or control sequence, one or more elementsof a multipart policy can be implemented with the following properties:

Part 1 of the policy:

This part of the policy contains which requirements are imposed on whichimage data source by which function requiring image data or by whichdata sink. A plurality of elements may be provided in this case, forexample:

-   -   requirements with regard to the image rate (recorded or        transmitted images per second),    -   requirements with regard to compression artifacts in the overall        image,    -   requirements for color depth,    -   requirements with regard to compression artifacts in sections of        the image (for example in the section of a lower half of the        image in which the road surface can be seen, or in the section        of a right-hand half of the image in which traffic signs are        typically presented),    -   requirements with regard to the image resolution,    -   requirements for the maximum data rate.

Part 2 of the policy:

This part of the policy records which requirement is associated withwhich likely data rate change.

Part 3 of the policy:

This part of the policy records whether the respective predefined or setquality requirements or quality parameters are imposed on eachindividual image of the images required from a data sink, for examplefrom a detection algorithm for pedestrians, at a predefined image rateof 30 images per second, for example, or whether it is sufficient forthe data sink to obtain only every nth image of the 30 images per secondfrom a camera in a particularly high quality, for example in apredefined high resolution, and to obtain the remaining images in poorerquality, for example in a predefined lower resolution. In the case offour cameras of a parking system, for example, the cameras may each inturn emit a high-quality image which therefore requires more bandwidthand computing power in a central control unit, while the respectiveother three cameras each precisely then emit a lower-quality image whichis therefore less of a burden in terms of the data rate to betransmitted and/or the processing load.

Part 4 of the policy:

According to this part of the policy, if a plurality of functions ordata sinks may be active at the same time and may therefore imposerequirements on the central control unit at the same time, provision ismade for the requirements be able to be prioritized with regard to whichof the requirements is more important than others. Such prioritizationcan be set and stored in the central control unit using parametervalues.

Part 5 of the policy:

In this part of the policy, maximum or upper limits are predefined forthe respective utilization of resources and must be taken into accountoverall. In this case, it is possible to predefine, for example, amaximum bandwidth which must not be exceeded by individual cameras,groups of cameras and/or all cameras overall.

On the basis of the respective specifically defined policy, a process ofselecting the detailed image settings (for example with regard toresolution and/or number of colors) and/or compression settings(compression rate or image quality) for the individual cameras can thenbe carried out. The selection process may in turn be carried out in aplurality of steps:

First step of the selection process (AS1):

In this step, functions or control units requiring image data reporttheir respective requirement (see part 1 of the policy) for a parameterof the policy to the central control unit, for example

-   -   because a function, for example lane detection, is activated,    -   because a particular view is selected for a parking function in        a graphical user interface,    -   because an object, for example an obstacle and/or a traffic        sign, has been detected,    -   because another sensor, for example a radar or ultrasonic        sensor, has detected objects in a particular image area.

Second step of the selection process (AS2):

In this step, further control components of the vehicle can reportvariable resource restrictions (see part 5 of the policy). For example,an Ethernet connection may be or have been restricted. in terms of thepossible bandwidth of the video or image transmission. on account of atemporary audio transmission.

Third step of the selection process (AS3):

In this step, the presumably best constellation of the requirements isselected. The new data rate is gradually approached from “below”. Inthis case, a simplification can be achieved using prefabricatedscenarios with fixed parameter sets which are defined or firmlypredefined once as suitable.

Fourth step of the selection process (AS4):

This step is carried out repeatedly and, in particular, continuously orwithin. predefined repetition intervals, in this case, the selection ofthe set control parameters is readjusted, possibly regularly orrepeatedly, in the case of changing image contents. This takes intoaccount, in particular, the fact that changing image contents generallyresult in different compression results and therefore in changingbandwidths and compression artifacts. The central. policy can thereforebe permanently readjusted if necessary. The transmission of data cantherefore be optimized even when the requirements imposed on the imagequality temporarily remain constant.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   1 Vehicle-   BE Image setting-   D_AKT Current data rate-   D_DYN Dynamically available data rate-   D_G Desired data rate-   FN Function-   FN_M Set of functions-   H Network node-   KAM_1 to KAM_4 First to fourth camera-   R_DYN Dynamically available computing capacity-   SV Control apparatus

The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate theinvention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of thedisclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of theinvention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention shouldbe construed to include everything within the scope of the appendedclaims and equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for transmitting image data from acamera in a vehicle, the method comprising the acts of: providing a setof vehicle functions, each vehicle function performed by one or morevehicle systems of the vehicle using the camera, the camera having aplurality of image settings, wherein the set of vehicle functionscomprises: a first vehicle function associated with a first imagesetting, and a second vehicle function associated with a second imagesetting, wherein the respective performance of each vehicle functionrequires the camera set to the respective image setting; activating thefirst and/or the second vehicle function from among the set of vehiclefunctions; setting the camera to an image setting corresponding to theactivated first and/or second vehicle function, based on the activatedfirst and/or second vehicle function and a predefined desired data ratefor transmitting image data, from the camera, in the course ofperforming the activated first and/or second vehicle function, whereinsetting the camera to the image setting is in accordance with amulti-part policy that delineates: one or more image settingrequirements associated with each vehicle function, dynamic data ratechanges associated with each of the one or more image settingrequirements, whether the one or more image setting requirements are tobe set for each image, or for each nth image of the camera,prioritization of image setting requirements according to active vehiclefunctions, and one or more predefined maximum limits for resourceutilization by active vehicle functions, wherein a current data rate ofthe camera is determined, and the image settings are gradually adaptedon the basis of the current data rate and on the basis of the predefineddesired data rate, starting from a predefined starting data rate whichis lower than the predefined desired data rate, and wherein the vehiclefunctions are respectively weighted, and, if more than one vehiclefunction is activated at the same time, the camera is set to the imagesetting on the basis of the respective weighting.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the image setting of the camera is set onthe basis of a dynamically available data rate.
 3. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein the image setting of the camera is set on the basisof a dynamically available computing capacity.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the respective requirement of the vehicle functions for theirrespective image setting is dynamic.
 5. The method according to claim 1,wherein a current data rate of the camera is determined, and the imagesettings are adapted on the basis of the current data rate and on thebasis of the predefined desired data rate.
 6. An apparatus fortransmitting image data comprising: a network node in a vehicle; acamera in the vehicle and coupled to the network node, the camera havinga plurality of image settings; and a computing unit coupled to thenetwork node, wherein the computing unit is configured to: provide a setof vehicle functions, each vehicle function performed by one or morevehicle systems of the vehicle using the camera, wherein the set ofvehicle functions comprises: a first vehicle function associated with afirst image setting, and a second vehicle function associated with asecond image setting, wherein the respective performance of each vehiclefunction requires the camera set to the respective image setting, and inresponse to the first and/or second vehicle function being activated,set the camera to an image setting corresponding to the activated firstand/or second vehicle function, based on the activated first and/orsecond vehicle function and a predefined desired data rate fortransmitting image data, from the camera, in the course of performingthe activated first and/or second vehicle function, wherein setting thecamera to the image setting is in accordance with a multi-part policythat delineates: one or more image setting requirements associated witheach vehicle function, dynamic data rate changes associated with each ofthe one or more image setting requirements, whether the one or moreimage setting requirements are to be set for each image, or for each nthimage of the camera, prioritization of image setting requirementsaccording to active vehicle functions, and one or more predefinedmaximum limits for resource utilization by active vehicle functions,wherein a current data rate of the camera is determined, and the imagesettings are gradually adapted on the basis of the current data rate andon the basis of the predefined desired data rate, starting from apredefined starting data rate which is lower than the predefined desireddata rate, and wherein the vehicle functions are respectively weighted,and, if more than one vehicle function is activated at the same time,the camera is set to the image setting on the basis of the respectiveweighting.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the imagesetting of the camera is set on the basis of a dynamically availabledata rate.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the imagesetting of the camera is set on the basis of a dynamically availablecomputing capacity.
 9. A vehicle comprising: a network node; a cameracoupled to the network node and configured to transmit image data, thecamera having a plurality of image settings; and a computing unitcoupled to the network node, wherein the computing unit is configuredto: provide a set of vehicle functions, each vehicle function performedby one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle using the camera, whereinthe set of vehicle functions comprises: a first vehicle functionassociated with a first image setting, and a second vehicle functionassociated with a second image setting, wherein the respectiveperformance of each vehicle function requires the camera set to therespective image setting, and in response to the first and/or secondvehicle function being activated, set the camera to an image settingcorresponding to the activated first and/or second vehicle function,based on the activated first and/or second vehicle function and apredefined desired data rate for transmitting image data, from thecamera, in the course of performing the activated first and/or secondvehicle function, wherein setting the camera to the image setting is inaccordance with a multi-part policy that delineates: one or more imagesetting requirements associated with each vehicle function, dynamic datarate changes associated with each of the one or more image settingrequirements, whether the one or more image setting requirements are tobe set for each image, or for each nth image of the camera,prioritization of image setting requirements according to active vehiclefunctions, and one or more predefined maximum limits for resourceutilization by active vehicle functions, wherein a current data rate ofthe camera is determined, and the image settings are gradually adaptedon the basis of the current data rate and on the basis of the predefineddesired data rate, starting from a predefined starting data rate whichis lower than the predefined desired data rate, and wherein the vehiclefunctions are respectively weighted, and, if more than one vehiclefunction is activated at the same time, the camera is set to the imagesetting on the basis of the respective weighting.
 10. The vehicleaccording to claim 9, in which the respective image setting of thecamera is set on the basis of a dynamically available data rate.
 11. Thevehicle according to claim 9, in which the respective image setting ofthe camera is set on the basis of a dynamically available computingcapacity.
 12. A non-transitory computer readable medium havingcomputer-executed code embodied therein for transmitting image data froma camera in a vehicle, the camera having a plurality of image settings,the non-transitory computer readable medium having: processor executableprogram code to provide a set of vehicle functions, each vehiclefunction performed by one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle usingthe camera, wherein the set of vehicle functions comprises: a firstvehicle function associated with a first image setting, and a secondvehicle function associated with at second image setting, wherein therespective performance of each vehicle function requires the camera setto the respective image setting, and processor executable program codeto, in response to the first and/or second vehicle function beingactivated, set the camera to an image setting corresponding to theactivated first and/or second vehicle function, based on the activatedfirst and/or second vehicle function and a predefined desired data ratefor transmitting image data, from the camera, in the course ofperforming the activated first and/or second vehicle function, whereinsetting the camera to the image setting is in accordance with amulti-part policy that delineates: one or more image settingrequirements associated with each vehicle function, dynamic data ratechanges associated with each of the one or more image settingrequirements, whether the one or more image setting requirements are tobe set for each image, or for each nth image of the camera,prioritization of image setting requirements according to active vehiclefunctions, and one or more predefined maximum limits for resourceutilization by active vehicle functions, wherein a current data rate ofthe camera is determined, and the image settings are gradually adaptedon the basis of the current data rate and on the basis of the predefineddesired data rate, starting from a predefined starting data rate whichis lower than the predefined desired data rate, and wherein the vehiclefunctions are respectively weighted, and, if more than one vehiclefunction is activated at the same time, the camera is set to the imagesetting on the basis of the respective weighting.
 13. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the set of vehicle functions comprises atleast one of: lane detection, a display of a view predefined by acustomer in a parking function, an object detection, an obstacledetection and a traffic sign detection.
 14. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the respective requirement of the vehicle functions fortheir respective image setting changes on the basis of a vehicle state.15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the image settings imposeimage quality parameters on at least a portion of images captured by thecamera.